Pakistan wants hurdles in US ties removed

Islamabad, Aug 11 (IANS) Pakistan Thursday said it was working with the US at every level for removal of hurdles in bilateral ties.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tehmina Janjua said bilateral relations with the US were improving, but admitted that ties at some levels were facing certain difficulties and that authorities of the two countries were working to remove them, Online news agency reported.

She cited cordial atmosphere at recent trilateral meetings in Islamabad where all three countries - Pakistan, US, and Afghanistan - reaffirmed their resolve to work closely for peace in the region.

She reiterated Pakistan’s stance that it supports the reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

Expressing regret for the deaths of British nationals of Pakistani origin in the riots in England, Janjua said there were 1.5 million Pakistanis living there.

The embassy in London and the consulate in Birmingham were in touch with the community. The Pakistani High Commissioner has appealed to the community to stay calm and cooperate with the British government, she said.

Janjua, however, said Pakistan does not consider that any particular community was the target of the riots.